.17:14-27.

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Forthright messages (Jer 17:14-27)

Jeremiah is still distressed and once more appeals to God for help. His complaint is that the people mock him when they do not see his prophecies come true (Jer 17:14-15).

He reminds God that he has done no more than announce the message God has given him. He personally does not wish doom upon the nation. Therefore, he asks God to be his protector against his persecutors (Jer 17:16-18).

One of God’s commands to Jeremiah was that he go around the various city gates and warn the people of Jerusalem not to work on the Sabbath day (Jer 17:19-21).

They are not to repeat the sins of their ancestors, but are to keep the Sabbath day holy, according to the covenant (Jer 17:22-23).

If the people are obedient to the requirements of the covenant, they will enjoy the blessings promised in the covenant. God will give them prosperity and contentment under the rule of Davidic kings indefinitely (Jer 17:24-26).

But if they persist in their disobedience, the nation will be overthrown (Jer 17:27).